1
Resolved, That the Board of Public Works be requested to report to this House whether, in their opinion, the iron plates required by law to be laid on the railroads
of this State, are not insufficient in strength and durability for the successful application
of steam power thereon; and that they report whether, in their opinion, any change
is desirable in the kind of iron to be used on said roads, and, if so, what will be
the probable cost of such iron laid down per mile: also, that they report what number
of locomotives have been purchased or ordered for the use of the State, the probable weight of each, and the cost of each, including charges of transportation.2
1On December 13, 1838, John J. Hardin introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives. The House amended the resolution by adding text and then passed it as amended. On
February 1, 1839, the House received a reply from William Kinney, President of the
Board of Public Works.
Journal of the House of Representatives of the Eleventh General Assembly of the State
of Illinois, at Their First Session, (Vandalia, IL: William Walters, 1838), 81, 321.
2On December 13, the House amended the resolution by adding “Also the names of all
persons to whom sums have been paid for ‘right of way’ for the several railroads contemplated
in the bill to establish and maintain a general system of internal improvements.”
Journal of the House of Representatives of the Eleventh General Assembly of the State
of Illinois, at Their First Session, 81.
Printed Transcription, 1 page(s), Journal of the House of Representatives of the Eleventh General Assembly of the State of Illinois at their First Session (Vandalia, IL: William Walters, 1838), 81